Friday, October 12, 2012

WHO has developed tools, including the index and checklist, helping
health authorities to improve hospitals and health systems’ ability to
prepare for emergencies and remain resilient during and after disasters.
Assessments using the hospital safety index were made in 9 countries
in the WHO European Region. These include training national experts to
assess priority hospitals and identifying the most effective mitigation
measures for emergencies.
Several countries, including the Republic of Moldova, have integrated
the application of the hospital safety index into the processes for
accrediting hospitals, or planning new ones, as in Georgia. In
Tajikistan, recommendations on structural and other improvements,
developed with the Ministry of Health, were used to mobilize donor
funding for priority mitigation measures and retrofitting vulnerable
facilities. Hospital emergency plans were developed, updated and tested
through exercises and drills in Poland and in the Ukraine, and
complemented by training of health professionals in emergency
management.
To date, more than 140 hospital assessment reports have been
produced. Countries shared their experience at a global expert meeting
in Istanbul, Turkey in March 2012 and several national and regional
meetings.
The WHO tools assess hospitals’ vulnerabilities, promote
low-cost/high-impact mitigation measures and strengthen emergency
preparedness to ensure that hospitals keep functioning during all
emergencies.
13 October 2012 is the International Day for Disaster Reduction.

Need for health services to remain functional in disasters and emergencies

Health services need to keep functioning during and after crises and
disasters, when they are needed most. Making sure that hospitals and
health facilities are safe and prepared for emergencies is a key
priority to ensure community resilience and protect the health of
vulnerable groups. Vulnerable groups, particularly women and girls, are
often among those most affected in communities hit by disasters.
When hospitals fail, communities are left without critical health
services, including basic emergency care. Keeping hospitals safe from
natural or human-made threats goes beyond the mere protection of
buildings and physical structures. It requires protecting and ensuring
the preparedness of the health workforce, and preserving supply lines to
keep facilities operational.